even it is old new for the 240hp altima,it still has some features that tls doesn't has

ie. 1.Curtain air bag
2.bigger interior room
3.is 300 style taillight
4. aluminium trim dashboard

also bodystyle seem like a Lexus GS400,especially the back. what do you guy think about?

 

BTW, the new Altima is riding on the new skyline chassis. Which means there will be a tons of room for Altima to be modded out like crazy.

 

I just checked the Nissan's website. I must say the site is really cool. But I still wouldn't buy the Altima. Even with the new body style, to me it is still plain ugly. No matter how fast it is, I will still pick the TLS anyday.


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2002 Black on Black TL TypeS

 

I sure hope the 3.5 liter / 240 HP engine for the Altima isn't the same engine that pushes the QX4 to 60 MPH in 9.6 very long seconds. When an editor from one of the mags reviewed it in a comparo, the quote was "240 Horsepower ( feels like 200 )". I hope instead it's some derivitive of the very nice Maxima engine. Otherwise pity the poor Altima. All that rating with no go to show for it, like the QX4...

I really hope we do end up with a horsepower race between the major manufacturers. We all win then. :-)

Regards
-w

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Webologist:
I hope instead it's some derivitive of the very nice Maxima engine.


The 3.5 in the Pathfinder is in fact based on the Maxima VQ engine, which will be essentially the same engine in the 02 Altima. I am certain this engine will perform much better in the Altima, rather than the heavier truck Pathfinder.

I guess we'll all find out in September.

Oh, BTW, the 02 Altima will be around $10k cheaper than the TLS. Doesn't sound so bad for the low $20's.

 

I assume that when you are comparing the prices, you are talking about an Altima equipped with climate control system, moonroof, perforated leather, available navigation system, power seats, just to mention a few.

 

I believe the Altima can be had with climate control, roof, leather (not perf), power seats, no nav (a luxury most don't need)and power seats in the low $20's (certainly under $25K). I am simply stating that for the money it seems you get quite a bit. Of course for almost $10K more, I would hope you would get more in the TLS. For someone like myself, who actually will pay for the car himself (it seems many on this forum have Mom and Dad buy their car)it seems the new Altima will be worth a serious look, at least.

 

I will never pay over $22K for a Nissan. Maybe an Infinity.

 

Even if it is based on a Skyline chassis, the engines aren't in the same ballpark so it doesn't really mean much. It's not like you're getting an RB26DETT to play with. There aren't any mods for the Skyline that'll be compatible with the Altima.

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2000 WDP 3.2TL non-NAV
AEM CAI w/bypass, Comptech header

 

here is my question ...
"Is this the same engine that pumps out 260 HP for the new Maxima?"

 

Yes, it is the VQ 3.5. The differences have to do with the way the engine management computer is programmed. Torque numbers for the new 02 Maxima @ 260 HP and for the 02 Altima @ 240 HP are both 246 ft lb. Hopefully a simple chip mod will give the Altima the 260 HP.